I had a lunch meeting with a rather remarkable person this past week, Graham Whiting, an architect who graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Architecture several years ago. Graham runs a small design firm focused on sustainable design, and together with a business partner named Jeff, they also own and operate a number of business development properties in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.
What is remarkable about these two individuals is their approach to business property development in the local community. They have recently purchased a building in a prime location in uptown Waterloo (right across the street from Waterloo Town Square) and rather than renting out the 5,000 sq. ft. building to another business owner for commercial development, they are asking members of the community for their vision for the building. I believe they are going to be hosting an open design meeting this coming September, will post details once they are available.
This approach in itself presents a number of game-changing opportunities, and they have already received a number of ideas with an accompanying business plan, ranging from an artists co-op to a net-zero homeless shelter.
Imagine what other possibilities might emerge if every property developer took this approach as well.
Co-Location, Co-Work Space in Waterloo Region?
As for a compelling idea that I had in mind, one enterprise that I would really like to see emerge in the Waterloo area, is a co-location, co-working space for social entrepreneurs and their respective projects and startup organizations. This would be similar to the Centre for Social Innovation in Toronto; or The Hub, with locations in Halifax, Toronto and numerous cities around the world. Other examples can be found in Citizen Space in San Francisco, as well as Treehouse and New Work City, both of which are located in New York City.
If you do have an idea or a vision, I am sure that Graham and Jeff would love to hear from you. You can get in touch with them via email at info@whitingdesign.ca
Posted via email from Renjie Butalid
